Year: 2024

Could that itch be a sign of infection? Possibly! A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida. It’s a common, but rather uncomfortable, condition that causes pain, irritation, and intense itchiness. Here’s everything you need to know about yeast infections. What…

Let’s talk about sexual health and menopause. If you suspect you may be in perimenopause (the years transitioning to menopause), or even if you’re technically through the menopause (you’ve had no period for a year or longer), you likely have questions about vaginal health. Every woman of a certain age will have heard scary stories…

How often have you seen your doctor over the past five years? According to research, 20% of people in the UK have not visited their GP in over a year. While that may seem like a good thing, as many people only tend to see their doctor when ill, it could also prevent early detection…

1st September marks the start of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, and so what better time to raise awareness of this condition to help break down barriers. Here, we ask, do you have PCOS symptoms? And we explore when is the right time to speak with a gynaecologist. According to the American Association of…

Are you preparing for a medical abortion or supporting a loved one who will be taking the abortion pill? Looking for advice on maintaining your wellbeing during a medical abortion? Even when you’re sure you’re not ready to be a mother yet, you may be feeling anxious and apprehensive about the abortion process. Thankfully, abortion…

It’s supposed to be one of life’s greatest joys, and yet if your partner has vaginismus, sex might have become something to dread. If you have attempted intercourse, you may be alarmed at the pain she experiences, and upset at the thought of intimacy being the cause. But however bad you feel, your partner will…

June is home to Cervical Screening Awareness week and it’s a time to talk about life-saving testing and treatment that people often feel embarrassed to discuss. Around 1 in 20 women will receive an abnormal smear test result. And if you’ve been told you may need loop excision, it’s normal to feel worried – but…

Did you know that STI rates in England are skyrocketing? Recent reports confirm that cases of STIs are on the rise and sexual health services are struggling to cope with higher than ever demand for STI checks. For example: From 2013 to 2022, requests for sexual health appointments have rocketed by a third Gonorrhoea has…

You’ve heard of the gut microbiome, but did you know your vagina has one too? Vaginal bacteria are enjoying something of a media moment lately, with viral videos touting products to nurture it and advice online on how to optimise the vaginal microbiome. But unfortunately, some of what we’re seeing is more fad than fact-based.…

It’s supposed to be fun but every time you try to have sex, it hurts. Perhaps you’re feeling a ‘brick wall’ sensation that makes penetration impossible. So why does it sting when I have sex? If you’ve been experiencing pain during sex for a while, you’re probably feeling increasingly disheartened. And to top it off,…